As the holy month of Ramadan approaches its end, many Muslims, including footballers across Germany, are facing unique challenges in balancing their faith with their athletic commitments. This year, players like Okan Uysal of FC Germania Bleckenstedt and Alperen Demir of SG Rexingen/Dettingen have demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience on the field. Uysal, who has fasted since his teenage years, exemplifies this commitment with his performance during a recent match despite fasting, showcasing both his skills and dedication.
Okan Uysal, 31, played in a tough 2-4 loss against MTV Wolfenbüttel on March 22, 2025. In this match, Uysal not only scored the equalizer in the 54th minute but also provided an assist for Thomas Sonntag's header that put his team ahead 2-1 in the 75th minute. Uysal's contributions were all the more remarkable considering he was observing Ramadan, which began on February 28 and will conclude with Zuckerfest between March 30 and March 31. As Uysal prepares to celebrate his 32nd birthday on April 1, he reflects on how the fasting month affects his gameplay.
“If temperatures rise to 15 or 16 degrees Celsius, my mouth gets dry,” Uysal explained. For him, enduring the fast during warm weather presents a significant physical challenge. Despite fasting since he was 15, he has learned to cope with these obstacles. “I can manage it,” he states confidently, attributing his strength to his faith: “My faith makes me strong; it moves mountains.” Uysal emphasizes however that the immediate transition to solid food after a long day of fasting is not easy: “My stomach is shrunk, and I often feel full after just a soup.”
During Ramadan, Uysal's daily routine transforms, requiring him to wake before sunrise to eat and drink. “I set my alarm clock for at least half an hour before dawn. Then I eat something, drink something, and go back to sleep.” On game days, the challenges intensify. “When I’m on the field, everything else is forgotten,” he shared, indicating his focus shifts solely to the game once the whistle blows. Yet, remaining calm is essential during Ramadan. Uysal noted, “Shouting or cursing is prohibited during the fasting month,” which is especially challenging for someone as passionate as he is.
Uysal's teammate Lamin Jatta, who also fasts, faced a different fate during their recent match. Jatta was substituted in the 90th minute due to exhaustion, having struggled physically as the game progressed. “Lamin was completely worn out,” Uysal recounted. “On the way home, he told me that in the last 10 to 15 minutes of the game, everything started spinning in his head.” Jatta's experience highlights the physical toll fasting can take, particularly during a full match.
As the fasting month draws to a close, players eagerly anticipate the Zuckerfest, where they will celebrate with family and friends after a month of discipline. For Uysal, this joyful occasion holds special significance. “On Zuckerfest, I will bring lots of Baklava for my teammates,” he promised, recognizing the rich, sweet delicacy's cultural importance. This will be his way of sharing the festive spirit with his team after a month of fasting. The team is scheduled to play against TuSpo Petershütte on March 31, 2025, and Uysal hopes to have a celebratory double joy on the day of the match.
Another player, Alperen Demir, who is a 24-year-old goalkeeper for SG Rexingen/Dettingen, shared his own experiences with Ramadan fasting. Demir has been observing fasts since he turned 18 and understands how to prepare his body for training and matches during this time. He believes that the fasting month allows for introspection and quality time with family. “You align with yourself and spend wonderful time with family and friends,” he reflected, showcasing the deeper emotional connection that fasting can bring.
Burak Isikdaglioglu, the Second Chairman of the Berliner AK club, also praised Ramadan for its ability to strengthen team spirit among the players. “It’s a time that enhances unity within the team,” he stated, highlighting how the challenges of fasting can foster bonding and mutual support among teammates.
This communal experience of fasting is not just a personal test of will but also an opportunity for players, their clubs, and communities to unite through shared beliefs and mutual respect. As these athletes balance their faith with their sporting commitments, their stories serve as powerful reflections of dedication, teamwork, and resilience. Ramadan offers a unique perspective on discipline and community involvement for athletes across Germany as they navigate the various demands of their lives.
